Category: Sustainability Education Forum

SEF News-Views Digest No. 119 (2-3-16)

So many Americans are very afraid of facing both known and unknown fears. They’re angry about certain socio-economic, cultural, religious, and political conditions, and often hateful towards those who offend them. The combined emotions of malignant fear, misdirected anger, and destructive hate threaten to undermine civil society, pitting various factions against one another and fostering ideological dissension. But, as the following frighteningly comical images illustrate, the primary outcome is suffering, for those who harbor negative emotions, as well as for those on the receiving end.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 118 (1-27-16)

So far, the first three weeks of 2016 have produced some whopping newsworthy events, some of which are discussed in articles below. Headlined reporting of worldwide economic woes has focused on widespread fluctuating financial markets, the implications of falling oil prices, and the growing gap between the obscenely rich and the rest of us. Another prime topic in the headlines addresses spreading social unrest, largely the result of multiple wars that are creating life-threatening conditions, destroying countries, and producing record numbers of refugees. And then we have the ongoing tragedies associated with extreme climate disruptions, like the past weekend’s deluge of winter weather events across several eastern states.

Also headlining the news: politics!  

SEF News-Views Digest No. 117 (1-20-16)

Ever since the presidential race got off to a mystifying start in 2015, the label “political correctness” has been spouted many times by conservative presidential candidates. Trump, in particular, loves to label certain actions of Democrats as over-the-top political correctness. Actually, I agree that the hard liners of political correctness have gone too far in many instances. I first became aware of this in the 70s and 80s, when the swelling tide of postmodernism began sweeping through academia, in some cases associated with the rise of feminism and multiculturalism. Since then, things have gotten a bit wacky.

The use of undefined labels in political (and public) discourse is a fascinating topic for study, as are other bizarre behaviors by candidates—and their supporters. Sometimes the political scene seems surreal, and I imagine a majority of citizens share similar responses.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 116 (1-13-16)

In previous editorials I’ve expressed my concerns about the general lack of “big picture” thinking and understanding of most people. Discerning ways to instill in citizens the ability to think critically and creatively—and, subsequently, act responsibly—has been uppermost in my mind in recent years, primarily due to the widening ideological schism between conservatives and progressives.

> NOTICE! Citizens for Sustainability: Business & Discussion Forum, Sat., Jan. 9, 10 am-noon, St. Anthony Village Community Center, Room CS9, 3301 Silver Lake Rd.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 115 (1-6-16)

Now that the holiday celebrations are over, and we’ve siatered 2016, what’s next? According to widespread media sources, many citizens may continue experiencing discontent with many aspects of life—economically, politically, and socially. Meanwhile, those of us fortunate enough to remain middle-class citizens may continue enjoying overall life satisfaction in 2016, perhaps even for years to come. But, maybe not, depending on what happens next—beginning this year.